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A Footpod is a small device that measures pace and distance while running or walking. These Footpods contain accelerometers that calculate the movement of your foot, providing an accurate measurement across a broad range of paces and stride lengths. A Footpod does not simply measure each stride, which would be wildly inaccurate. If you have a [[Best Running Watch| Garmin Watch]] then a [http://www.amazon.com/GarminThese first-Foot-Pod-Retail-Packaging/dp/B00264GKVQ Footpod] is an excellent upgradegeneration Footpods can be quite accurate, but require calibration, and this calibration has to be repeated for different shoes. The [[Stryd]] footpod is different to other Footpods as a second-generation Footpod and it's so accurate it doesn't require calibration. The first generation Footpods use a 3-axis accelerometer, where second generation Footpods typically use 9-axis sensors which combine accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers for far greater accuracy. (This page focuses on the traditional first generation Footpods, though Stryd is far superior.)

Out of the box, a Footpod is typically accurate to 90+% and after calibration this typically improves to 98-99%. This compares well with the accuracy of GPS which is 97-98%. However, a Footpod only gives you this accuracy on smooth surfaces where your stride is reasonably predictable. You need to make sure the Footpod is well attached to your shoe; if it's bouncing about the accuracy will be poor. If you do trail running, I found the accuracy can be rather patchy. Of course , if you're running a twisty trail with tree covered, you may find the accuracy of GPS dropping to 80-95%. I have found that a Footpod provides vastly more accurate information for your current pace compared with GPS. While the errors in the GPS signal even out over the course of a run, they can result in a current pace that is inaccurate by 1-2 minutes/mile.